National Day of Prayer celebrated in Bay County

Published: Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 03:58 PM.

Part of Oberst’s proclamation also honored the men and women of the armed forces.

“There are many selfless sacrifices they make on behalf of our nation,” she said.

The 2013 National Day of Prayer was first held in 1952 after President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution of the United States Congress calling for the observance. The mission of the day is to “mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.”

The Panama City Kiwanis Club also held its annual breakfast to celebrate the day at St. Andrew Baptist Church.

“The spirit is to get people from all over to pray for a sense of community and oneness,” said Gayle Walker, board member and organizer. “It shows we can come together from all walks of life for one day and pray together.”

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Rev. John Woodrow spent 13 years of his life striving to become an American citizen.

“When you work that hard to be a part of this country, you don’t take so much for granted,” Woodrow said.

Woodrow, pastor at Gulfview United Methodist, announced Thursday his goal would finally happen May 17. He was speaking during the 2013 National Day of Prayer event in Panama City Beach City Hall. During the National Day of Prayer, people generally are asked to pray together, but specifically they are asked to pray for the country.

Prayers and songs filled City Hall on Thursday. The audience of about 40 sang songs of national pride such as “America” and “God Bless America.”

“There’s gonna come a day … when this will be my home sweet home,” Woodrow said.

“We are grateful that as long as we have city council meetings where we make decisions that affect our community that we can begin with a prayer,” Oberst said.

Part of Oberst’s proclamation also honored the men and women of the armed forces.

“There are many selfless sacrifices they make on behalf of our nation,” she said.

The 2013 National Day of Prayer was first held in 1952 after President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution of the United States Congress calling for the observance. The mission of the day is to “mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.”

The Panama City Kiwanis Club also held its annual breakfast to celebrate the day at St. Andrew Baptist Church.

“The spirit is to get people from all over to pray for a sense of community and oneness,” said Gayle Walker, board member and organizer. “It shows we can come together from all walks of life for one day and pray together.”